Learners from the Masakhane Soul Buddies Club at Khawuleza Primary School in Mnvunyane recently took the initiative to help other learners who are struggling with their eyesight.
Nokulunga Gabela, who is a learner support agent at the school, said the idea came to them when club members were discussing issues they are facing at school. They pointed out different issues, but the one that stuck with her was the issue of learners who are short-sighted. “This is a particularly sensitive subject, considering how this problem affects learners who cannot see properly. Their self-esteem is low and they cannot do their schoolwork to their highest potential because of their eyes, so I reported the issue to my facilitator and the school principal.”
The club then wrote a letter to the school nurse at Vryheid District Hospital and the teachers had the task of identifying those learners whom they believed to be short-sighted. The school nurse visited the school to examine the children, and three learners were identified to be suffering with eyesight problems. These three were then scheduled to see an optometrist. The day they went to the hospital, the doctor was not there, but they are set to go once again this week for further screening and receive glasses if necessary. They will be accompanied by their parents.
“I am so amazed by these children; they are like adults trapped in little bodies. They have helped other learners to boost their confidence and see the world like other children. We thank school principal Mr Cebekhulu, as well as Vryheid District Hospital and the Hlahlindela Taxi Association for transporting our learners when they had to go to the hospital for the first check-up. Their support means a lot to the learners.”

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.